We want everyone to feel welcome, included, and safe, and we want to make sure hockey is fun for everyone. Our Code of Conduct is built around the Think SOUTH principles.

It's everyone's responsibility to help maintain our friendly culture. If you witness or experience behaviour that doesn't align with our Code of Conduct, please let a captain, club captain, or committee member know.

Issues should be reported as soon as possible so that they can be addressed quickly.

If issues do arise, we'll use the following Club Card system to help address them fairly and consistently.

This system isn't about punishment. It's about maintaining a welcoming, inclusive and respectful environment where everyone can enjoy their hockey and feel part of the club.

Please note that Club Cards are separate to the cards awarded by umpires during matches, and will only be noted within our club.

First Incident

• Most issues will begin and (hopefully) end with a Green Card and an informal conversation with your captain, coach, or committee member.
• However, more serious incidents may result in a Yellow or Red Card straight away.

Repeated Issues

• Two Green Cards in a season may result in a Yellow Card at which point you will get a formal warning from the Men's or Ladies' Club Captain.
• Three Yellow Cards within a 12-month period may result in a Red Card, which will result in a formal review by the committee.

Serious Misconduct

The club may issue an immediate Red Card for serious matters including:

• Abuse of umpires or officials
• Physical aggression or fighting
• Bullying or harassment
• Discrimination
• Safeguarding breaches
• Behaviour that seriously damages the club's reputation or culture

Depending on the circumstances, outcomes may include:

• A conversation with club captains or committee members
• A written warning
• An apology to those affected
• Relevant training or education
• Temporary removal from leadership roles
• Suspension from matches, training sessions, or social events
• In exceptional circumstances, termination of membership

Members may ask for a decision to be reviewed by the committee if they feel it has been applied unfairly.

We also follow England Hockey's Spirit of Hockey - Code of Conduct. All club members are expected to adhere to this, just as we expect members of opposing clubs to do the same.

More information is available on the England Hockey website.